Rotax Regulator and Battery Failures

[Tjoek]

I have, on my Rotax 503 / B box based trike, a Rotax rectifier that charges a battery from which I power instruments / radio / comms and light (note no electric starter). In the last 2 years my regulator failed twice. I suspect it happens when the battery fails.

I am about to embark on another round of repairs, and would appreciate expert views out there:

1. Any specific electrical installation / schematics recommended?
2. Any recommendations on small reliable batteries. Last battery was a sealed SABAT motorcycle battery.
3. Is is worth considering alternatives to the Rotax rectifier?

Rergards
Tjoek

[Conrad]

Morning
Yes, happened to me a couplela times.
Its when the battery power is low, I never really tried anything else, just had a spare regulator at hand.

[Tjoek]

Thanks Connie

[KFA]

Do you have the halogen type landing lights installed? These tend to bugger up a regulator very quickly.

[Duck Rogers]

Do you have the halogen type landing lights installed? These tend to bugger up a regulator very quickly.

Why would that be?
It never buggered mine up in hundreds of hours....

[KFA]

There could be a couple causes for the regulator failures. 1. Using a too small battery for the job, 2. Drawing more current than the charge rating of the regulator. The halogen lights have a high current draw and they cause the regulator to overheat easpecially when there is a bad ground on the battery or when the battery is too small. Most pilots tend too overuse their lights and add too many gadgets too the plane and they do not check that the electrical system can handle the extra loads.

Search the net a bit on causes of regulator failures.

[Tjoek]

Thanks KFA. It is possible. Have a halogen light and small battery (no cranking needed). My problems started in flight after the light has been on for an hour or so. Sure to be replaced with LED light.

[Tjoek]

Incredible ... for a single regulator it is R528 cheaper (incl. of shipping) to order from a coastal trike manufacturer than to obtain locally from the agent. How on earth is this possible?

[kenfox]

how much does a regulator cost

[Kalahari]

I bought mine from Alex Rudd, Leprachaun on this forum, he gave me the best deal. Otherwise you can buy it from Amptronic. The quality of their product is good.